Pakistan, Turkiye vow deeper cooperation in railway sector

July 31, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and Turkiye have reaffirmed their commitment to expanding long-term cooperation in the railway sector, agreeing to promote joint investment, technology transfer and modernisation projects, besides restoring the Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul (ITI) freight train service at the earliest.

The understanding was reached during a delegation-level meeting between Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu on the second day of the Pakistani minister's official visit to Turkiye, APP reported.

The two sides agreed to develop the ITI freight corridor into a permanent commercial trade route, describing it as a strategic initiative for boosting trade and regional connectivity among South Asia, Central Asia and Europe.

The Pakistani delegation briefed the Turkish side on the upgradation of the Rohri-Taftan Main Line-3 (ML-3), noting that the project would significantly improve regional trade and freight operations through Iran.

Progress on the Karachi-Rohri Main Line-1 (ML-1) project was also shared, with Turkish companies invited to invest in the remaining sections of the railway network.

Pakistan further invited Turkish public and private sector companies to participate in Pakistan Railways' infrastructure projects, while both sides discussed Turkiye's potential participation and technical cooperation in the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Corridor (UAPRC).

A detailed presentation was given on Pakistan Railways' digital transformation, modern signalling systems, rolling stock upgradation and private sector participation, with both countries agreeing to enhance cooperation in technology transfer, digital railway solutions, capacity building and modern operational systems.

The meeting also explored opportunities for joint investment, joint ventures and local manufacturing at Pakistan Railways' Carriage Factory in Islamabad, concrete sleeper factories and engineering workshops, with both sides expressing interest in using Turkish technology for local production of railway equipment, passenger coaches and freight wagons.

The two countries agreed to promote cooperation in railway manufacturing, outsourcing, industrial collaboration and greater private sector participation, with detailed presentations on railway projects, regional connectivity and investment opportunities delivered by both delegations.

Federal Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi said Pakistan would fully benefit from Turkiye's experience, investment and advanced technology in modernising Pakistan Railways, as both countries reaffirmed their resolve to translate bilateral railway cooperation into practical projects and joint initiatives aimed at promoting regional economic growth and connectivity.

Copyright Mettis Link News